Sword Art Online's Latest Console Game 'Echoes of Aincrad' Launches Free Demo Today! Streaming Guidelines Released, and 'Clearer Group Recruitment Campaign' Offering Streaming Kits Now Open for Applications!

Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc. is pleased to announce the launch of a free demo for 'Echoes of Aincrad,' the latest home console game in the 'Sword Art Online' series, available today. The PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S versions are scheduled for release on Thursday, July 9, 2026, while the STEAM® version will launch on Friday, July 10, 2026.

Additionally, we have released the live streaming guidelines for this title.

Furthermore, applications are now open for the 'Clearer Group Recruitment Campaign,' a live-streaming video campaign offering participants a streaming kit. Please check the details below.

Free Demo Now Available on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and STEAM®!

Starting today, the demo is now available on PS5®, Xbox Series X|S, and STEAM®.

The demo allows players to fully experience the 'Beta Test' segment featured at the beginning of the full game.

Save data from the demo can be transferred to the full version.

Be among the first to enjoy the untold story set just before the official launch of 'SAO'—a narrative not depicted in the original work or anime!

▼ For more details:

https://eoa.sao-game.jp/products/demo.php

※ Save data carried over from the demo cannot be used in Death Game Mode.

※ In the Beta Test chapter, player avatars are fixed.

※ For further details, please visit the official website.

Live Streaming Guidelines Now Published!

This game can be streamed in accordance with our game streaming policy.

However, from the launch date until Friday, July 17, 2026, to ensure players can fully immerse themselves in the game's world, streaming will be partially restricted when playing on difficulty settings other than 'Very Hard' combined with 'Death Game Mode.' For full details, please visit the official website.

Live Streaming Policy for 'Echoes of Aincrad':

https://eoa.sao-game.jp/special/policy/

Bandai Namco Entertainment Game Streaming Policy:

https://www.bandainamcoent.co.jp/info/videopolicy/

'Clearer Group Recruitment Campaign' Now Accepting Applications!

'Echoes of Aincrad' is recruiting dedicated players to form the 'Clearer Group'—frontline warriors aiming to conquer the game!

All applicants will receive the streaming kit 'NerveGear'!

Additionally, participants' names will be engraved on the 'Monument of Life' featured on a dedicated webpage.

Submit a gameplay video playing on 'Difficulty: Very Hard' + 'Death Game Mode' and become a member of the 'Clearer Group'!

For details: https://eoa.sao-game.jp/special/kouryakugumi/

【Campaign Overview】

◆ Application Period: Tuesday, June 16, 2026 – Friday, July 17, 2026

◆ Activity Period: Thursday, July 9, 2026 – Friday, July 17, 2026

◆ Participation Benefits:

① Streaming Kit 'NerveGear'

② Player name displayed on the 'Monument of Life' on the dedicated page

◆ Application Requirements:

① Must own a personal channel or account on a video streaming platform (YouTube, Twitch, NicoNico Live, OPENREC.tv, TwitCasting, Mirrativ) with all required information filled out in the application form.

② Must agree to and comply with the campaign terms and the game's separate user agreement.

③ Must be able to play the game on 'Difficulty: Very Hard' + 'Death Game Mode'.

◆ How to Apply:

Agree to the terms and complete the application by entering the required information in the designated form!

※ Campaign details are subject to change without prior notice. Please check the official website for the latest information.

Pre-orders for 'Echoes of Aincrad' Now Open!

Pre-orders are now available for both digital and physical editions!

Pre-ordering the digital version or purchasing the physical edition early grants access to the 'Additional Weapon Set: Proto Elysitheda Series,' which provides an advantage in early-game progression.

Digital 'Deluxe Edition' and 'Ultimate Edition' include early access rights, allowing players to play the post-game content 'Death Game Mode' from the start!

Be sure to check them out.

For details: https://eoa.sao-game.jp/products

Pre-order the Special Physical Edition at Dengeki Store within Ebten!

Pre-orders are now open at Dengeki Store within Ebten for special physical editions of the game, which include original merchandise bundled with the standard package.

The Premium Edition includes the 'Unanswered//butterfly' Special Box, featuring a Blu-ray Disc with the full, uncut 110-minute promotional anime 'Unanswered//butterfly' and a special roundtable discussion video, along with an original soundtrack CD.

Don't miss your chance to pre-order these luxurious editions and fully experience 'Echoes of Aincrad'!

▼ Pre-order here:

・'Echoes of Aincrad' Premium Edition Dengeki Special Pack:

https://store.kadokawa.co.jp/shop/ebtendengeki/g/g7015026070901/

・'Echoes of Aincrad' Premium Edition:

https://store.kadokawa.co.jp/shop/ebtendengeki/g/g7015026070902/

・'Echoes of Aincrad' Standard Edition Dengeki Special Pack:

https://store.kadokawa.co.jp/shop/ebtendengeki/g/g7015026070903/

About 'Echoes of Aincrad'

We were truly here.

The world's first full-dive MMORPG, 'Sword Art Online.'

The adventure of diving into a virtual world with one's consciousness captivated countless players.

However, this virtual world transformed into a death game, where dying in the game meant death in reality.

Among the countless trapped players, 'you' were also present.

In this world, crueler than reality, 'you' reunite with Io, a beta tester you once adventured with.

An origin RPG depicting the struggles and conflicts of players trapped in a virtual world on the brink of death, set in the floating castle 'Aincrad.'

'This is a game, but not a game.'

Game Over = Immediate save data deletion.

Experience the intense tension seen in the original work and anime with the newly implemented

'Death Game Mode'!

※ This content is unlocked after clearing the main story.

※ Included in select higher editions.